An SDLP councillor has condemned the violence that resulted in six people needing medical treatment following disturbances on New Year’s night.

One of the victims received slash wounds to the face, with reports that the man’s lip was almost severed in the incident in Newry.

It is understood that the fight broke out when a man fell in Water Street but refused the assistance of another man who offered to help him up. Others became involved in the fracas before ambulances were called out to attend to six people.

Newry and Mourne representative Karen McKevitt said it was a terrible start to the year for those involved.

“In this case knives were used and people received potentially serious injuries. That is totally unacceptable,” said Ms McKevitt.

“New Year’s night is supposed to be a joyous occasion and one when the town accommodates a large amount of people from all over the North. This has soured that.

“Not only did the perpetrators put people’s lives at risk, but detained vital emergency services and hospital staff who are already overworked due to the bad weather and water crisis.

“I wish those injured a speedy |recovery and urge anybody with |information regarding this to pass it to the police.”